asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of ex-members of the Defence Forces with long military service who have been deprived of their pensions, in some cases for over three years, due to the fact that, because of their inability to obtain alternative accommodation, they have not vacated married quarters at various military barracks in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Married Quarters in Dublin Barracks.
Mr. A. Byrne
Payment of pensions granted under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Scheme to ex-members of the Defence Forces has been totally suspended in 56 cases by reason of the fact that they are in occupation of married quarters at various military barracks in Dublin.
Payment of pension has been partially suspended in two other cases, the personnel concerned being entitled to dual pensions under the Pensions Acts.
Mr. A. Byrne
Is it correct to say that men with 30/- per week pension have the full 30/- stopped from them, although the rent fixed on the rooms which they occupy is only 15/-? Will he say why their full pension of 30/- has been stopped for rooms valued at 15/-?
The position is that these people are civilians and I am trying to get the Dublin Corporation to house these Dublin civilians. If the Deputy would use his influence in the Dublin Corporation to the same extent and with the same degree of success as he uses his influence as a Deputy, this difficulty would be solved in no time.
Mr. A. Byrne
I have tried and failed.
You never fail.
Mr. A. Byrne
The corporation want to know will you recommend a full subsidy on the houses given to these men, as if they were being housed in ordinary circumstances?
I will recommend every one of these for a house.
Mr. A. Byrne
And the subsidy on the house?
That is another matter.
Mr. A. Byrne
That is the kernel of the whole matter.
It does not arise here.